TERRENCE Jones went on a scoring rampage in TnT Katropa's 104-91 rout of Meralco to claim the solo lead in the PBA Commissioner's Cup on Saturday.
Jones finished with a league career-high of 49 points on 7-of-11 shooting from three point range and grabbed 18 rebounds in the Petron Blaze Saturday special at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
But he was in a zone starting the fourth quarter when he scored the Katropa's first 18 points to take the fight out of the Bolts.
Troy Rosario made a reverse undergoal stab to become the first Katropa to score outside of Jones to stretch a close six-point spread to 101-82 lead with 3:59 left to play.
"Another tremendous game for Terrence Jones," said coach Bong Ravena afterwards as his team improved to 6-1 overall.
"Hopefully every game maka-40 up siya and it will be easier for us," he added. "Pero at the same time, the locals should step up also.”
The Katropa missed the services of top gunner Jason Castro, who got married also on Saturday, and forward Anthony Semerad, out with a flu.
But Ryan Reyes fired 6-of-7 from the three-point line to finish with 19 points, while Don Trollano and Rosario added 16 and 11 points, respectively.
Debuting import Jimmie Lee Taylor - replacing the injured Gani Lawal - finished with 13 points and 18 rebounds as he was outclassed by Jones in their battle down low.
Meralco's fourth loss in seven outings spoiled the new career-high of Chris Newsome, who had 32 points, three rebounds, and five assists.
The scores
TNT Katropa (104) - Jones 49, Reyes 19, Trollano 16, Rosario 11, Pogoy 4, Heruela 3, Taha 2, Golla 0, D. Semerad 0, Casino 0, Magat 0.
Meralco (91) - Newsome 32, Taylor 13, Amer 9, Almazan 9, Jackson 7, Salva 6, Hodge 5, Canaleta 5, Espinas 3, Quinto 2, Caram 0, Hugnatan 0, De Ocampo 0, Jamito 0.
Quarterscores: 24-22; 52-49; 81-68; 104-91.
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